Social host legislation heads to governor Bill aimed to cut down on underage drinking

DES MOINES – Social hosts who knowingly allow minors to consume alcoholic beverages on their property could face a $200 misdemeanor fine under a bill approved Thursday by the Iowa Senate and sent to Gov. Terry Branstad for his consideration.

Sen. Rob Hogg, D-Cedar Rapids, chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee and floor manager of Senate File 2310, said underaged drinking is a significant problem in Iowa, and Thursday's action represented a major victory in the fight against it.

Hogg said he hoped the bill would help lower the number of young people who drive while under the influence of alcohol by cracking down on adults who those 17 or younger drink illegally on their property.

Before passing the bill, senators approved House changes that removed 18-, 19- and 20-year-olds from the bill and exempted landlords from the provisions.

Hogg said the House changes 'are not my preference,” but he recommended his colleagues approve them to advance the issue with the hope lawmakers would revisit it in future years to toughen the provisions. The bill also does not preempt local governments from passing tougher ordinances.

'This bill sets a statewide floor,” Hogg said, noting there are 22 counties and 26 cities in Iowa that have ordinances barring adults from hosting events where alcohol is illegally consumed by underage persons. 'I think it's important that we make progress, even if it's not perfection.”

Sen. Herman Quirmbach, D-Ames, agreed with Hogg that the Senate-passed bill covering anyone under the legal drinking age of 21 was the preferred approach, but at least the amended House version moves the issue forward.

'There is no question that the problem of underaged drinking is very difficult in this state,” Quirmbach said. 'I think it's something we need to address. I think that the recent events in my home community have brought that home,” he said in reference to alcohol-related problems that forced Iowa State University to suspend its VEISHA festivities this week.